Three and a half agonizing weeks had slipped away, each passing day leaving Sylvie in a state of uncertainty. Not a single word had reached her ears from Loki, leaving her to question his very existence. It was all a cruel deception, she realized. Miss Minutes, with her false promises, had played them all for fools. The illusion of freedom on the timeline, the fantasy of two variants united in harmony, it all crumbled into nothingness. Since her arrival at the Avengers' compound, Sylvie had secluded herself within the confines of her assigned room, adamantly refusing any form of communication. Lost in her own thoughts, she became trapped in a cycle of reliving the memories, her mind haunted by the echo of Loki's last words, "Everything will be okay, just stay here!" Tears welled up in her eyes, a testament to the anguish consuming her soul. Deep down, Sylvie understood that if she had merely adhered to her original plan, the one she had carefully crafted long before Loki entered her life, she would have been on the path to end the tyrant who held dominion over time and move on with her own existence. But fate had a different idea. Against all reason, she allowed herself to deviate from her predetermined course and follow the whims of her own rebellious heart. A sudden knock interrupted Sylvie's thoughts, instantly capturing her attention. She hesitated for a brief moment, contemplating whether it could be another Shield agent, poised to subject her to yet another round of interrogation. Slowly, she rose from the edge of the bed where she had been sitting, her eyes fixed on the door. Each step towards it was cautious, her hand trembling as it reached for the doorknob. With a hesitant twist, she swung the door open, only to be taken aback by the unexpected sight of Thor standing before her. Surprise flickered in her eyes, mingled with a hint of relief. At first, a hint of awkwardness lingered in the air as Sylvie laid eyes upon Thor, clad in his Asgardian armor with Mjölnir firmly in his grip. He cleared his throat, attempting to break the silence. "It's Sydney, right?" he questioned, his lack of knowledge irritating Sylvie instantly. She couldn't help but roll her eyes, already exasperated by his mistake. "Sylvie, you idiot. My name is Sylvie," she corrected him, her annoyance seeping through her words. "Ah, yes! I was close!" Thor chuckled nervously, attempting to lighten the tension. Sylvie remained unimpressed, her arms crossing firmly over her chest. Her tone turned cold and direct as she addressed him, "If you're here to give me news about Loki, then go ahead. Otherwise, you're simply wasting my time, and I have no tolerance for idiots wasting my precious time." Her words dripped with a mix of frustration and impatience, leaving no room for misunderstandings. Once again, Thor cleared his throat, sensing Sylvie's urgency and lack of interest in humor or small talk. "Right... well, I do come bearing news of Loki," he began, his voice steady but with a hint of anticipation. Sylvie's heart nearly skipped a beat at the prospect of finally receiving an update. She leaned in, her eyes fixed on Thor, waiting anxiously for his response. "Yes? Go on! Tell me?" she urged. "Well, let me explain, my brother has really outdone himself this time," Thor began, his voice filled with a mix of exasperation and disappointment. "This attack on Midgard was nothing more than him seeking power and longing for a throne of his own." Sylvie's confusion deepened. She was already aware of Loki's insatiable desire for a throne. What she needed to know was his current whereabouts. Frustration tainted her tone as she interrupted Thor, her eyes locked onto his face as she demanded answers. "That doesn't mean anything, Thor. Where is he? Is he still alive?" Sylvie's voice quivered with urgency and concern, her heart pulsating with the desperate need for information. "Yes, yes, he's alive," Thor confirmed, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and worry. "But he's in quite a bit of trouble with these people. Quite frankly, he'd be in even more trouble if we were to return to Asgard, especially with Odin." Sylvie's eyes widened with a mixture of concern and anticipation. More trouble? The mention of returning to Asgard sent her heart racing. "I have to see him!" she exclaimed.
Thor let out a heavy sigh, his expression filled with a mixture of regret and helplessness. "I... I don't think that's possible, not at this time," he admitted, his voice tinged with sadness. Sylvie's confusion turned into frustration as she snapped back, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. "What the hell do you mean it's not possible? Surely you can find a bloody way for me to see him, considering how chummy you are with these fools!" Her words dripped with sarcasm and bitterness. "I, along with the Avengers, saved Midgard from Loki's destructive plans, But you must understand, Sylvie, Loki is lucky he's not being sent straight to the axe for the chaos he caused," Thor corrected. Sylvie's heart dropped instantly, causing her to fall to her knees, a sense of helplessness washing over her. It felt like a cruel trick, as if freedom and peace were nonexistent in her world. Thor quickly knelt down beside her, his hand placed reassuringly on her shoulder. "I will do everything in my power to arrange a meeting between you and him, even if it's just for a brief moment," he promised. A hint of relief overcame Sylvie, but she couldn't help but wonder if it was all too good to be true. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she held back her tears, refusing to let them fall. She turned her head away from Thor, unable to face him in her vulnerable state. "I need a moment alone, please," she whispered. Thor simply nodded, understanding her need for solitude. Slowly, he rose to his feet and made his way out of the room. Before closing the door behind him, he cast a brief glance back at the broken woman, his eyes filled with sympathy and concern. Tears began to slowly roll down Sylvie's flushed cheeks as the weight of her emotions became too much to bear. Anger, sadness, and confusion consumed the goddess, overwhelming her senses. She remained seated on the floor, her back pressed against the foot of the bed, her knees tucked tightly to her chest. Her hands balled into fists, a glowing energy radiating around them, causing a momentary disturbance in the room. Furniture shifted and writhed, reacting to the surge of power emanating from Sylvie. It was a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil, a testament to the strength of her emotions. Several days had passed, and Sylvie sat in silence, her heart heavy with disappointment. There had been no word from Thor about the promised meeting with Loki, and no sign of Loki himself. Doubt began to creep into her mind, causing her to question whether there was any hope left. Feeling defeated, Sylvie found herself lying across the bed, her gaze fixed upon the door, as if expecting someone to walk through it at any moment. It was a desperate longing, a flicker of hope that someone would finally bring her the answers she sought. The one thing Sylvie could admit was that she had finally managed to get the rest she so desperately needed. It was something she was not accustomed to. In her life of constant running and hopping from one timeline to another, finding a moment of true rest had always been a challenge. Sure, there may have been brief moments where she could close her eyes and catch her breath, but to truly let her guard down and allow herself to relax was a luxury she rarely indulged in. Now, lying on the bed, she felt the weariness seep from her bones as her body succumbed to the tranquility of sleep. It was a rare respite, and she savored every fleeting moment of it. Sylvie's heart skipped a beat as another knock resounded at the door. A surge of hope and anticipation flooded through her, causing her to sit up abruptly. Could this be the moment she had been waiting for? With a mix of caution and excitement, she called out, "Come in," her voice carefully masking any eagerness she felt. She didn't want to get her hopes up too high, fearing disappointment once again. But deep down, a flicker of anticipation burned within her, longing for answers and closure. Once again, it was Thor who stood on the other side of the door, confirming that this was indeed the moment Sylvie had been waiting for. The promise of a meeting had finally come to fruition. The urgency in Thor's voice was palpable as he spoke, emphasizing the limited time they had. "We don't have a lot of time," he stated, his words carrying a sense of urgency. "We have to get you to S.H.I.E.L.D quickly, before they change their minds about allowing any visitation." The gravity of the situation sank in, and Sylvie knew that she needed to act swiftly. Without hesitation, she rose to her feet, ready to seize the opportunity that had presented itself.
With a sense of urgency, Sylvie and Thor swiftly navigated through the corridors of the compound, their footsteps echoing in their wake. Time was of the essence, and every passing second weighed heavily on their minds. As they reached the outside, a large suburban vehicle awaited them, engine humming, ready to transport them to their desired location. Without wasting a moment, they climbed into the vehicle, the door closing behind them with a resolute thud. The engine roared to life, and they sped off, racing against time to reach their destination. The journey ahead would be filled with uncertainty and challenges, but Sylvie held onto the hope that it would ultimately lead her closer to the answers she sought. The drive was filled with an air of tension, the silence weighing heavily between Sylvie and Thor. Sylvie found solace in staring out the window, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. They were heading towards an isolated location, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It was a place where the Avengers could gather in secrecy, away from prying eyes and potential interference. The isolation of the surroundings only heightened Sylvie's anticipation and curiosity. What awaited her at this clandestine meeting? Would it bring the answers she sought or lead to more questions? As the suburban continued its journey, she couldn't help but wonder what destiny had in store for her at this secluded destination. As the suburban approached the correctional facility, Sylvie's stomach churned with a mix of apprehension and unease. The sight of the heavily guarded entrance sent shivers down her spine. Armed guards stood at attention, their presence a stark reminder of the high security surrounding the facility. The vehicle passed through multiple gates, each one reinforcing the impression that this was no ordinary visitation. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Sylvie as she considered the significance of what awaited her inside. Sylvie's attention snapped to the door as it was opened by a gentleman, who greeted her with a dry tone. "You must be the infamous Sylvie we've heard of," he remarked. The words hung in the air, but Sylvie remained silent, her mind focused and her senses heightened. Slowly, she stepped out of the SUV, taking in her surroundings with a practiced awareness. The atmosphere within the correctional facility was heavy, filled with an undercurrent of tension and secrecy. As she stood on the threshold, she knew that she had to remain cautious and alert, for every step she took could be crucial in navigating the challenges that lay ahead. "Listen, visitations aren't something we just grant to anyone," the agent said curtly, his tone conveying a sense of impatience. "So let's not dilly dally. We won't allow you two to speak for very long." With those words, he began leading Sylvie inside, his brisk pace indicating the urgency of their time together. As they walked through the facility, Sylvie couldn't help but notice the lab-like atmosphere that surrounded them. The cold, clinical environment gave her a sinking feeling in her heart. Thoughts raced through her mind, filled with concern and fear. What if Loki had been subjected to torture or cruel experiments within these walls? The weight of that possibility weighed heavily on her, fueling her determination to uncover the truth and ensure Loki's safety. Sylvie's curiosity was piqued as the agent scanned his badge, a gesture that seemed to hold significance. Suddenly, a loud buzz reverberated through the air, causing her to instinctively tense up. Metal doors clanged open, revealing an imprisoned Loki standing behind a transparent barrier, separated from her by what appeared to be a tank.
Her breath caught in her throat as she locked eyes with her variant counterpart.
Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other through the clear barrier, a mixture of emotions rushing through Sylvie's mind. Relief washed over her, knowing that Loki was alive and seemingly unharmed. Yet, the sight of him confined and imprisoned stirred a surge of anger and determination within her. There was much to discuss, much to understand, but the agent's warning about limited time echoed in Sylvie's ears. Though their reunion was brief, she vowed to make the most of it, to gather whatever information she could. With a resolute gaze, she locked eyes with Loki, silently conveying her determination to uncover the truth and free him from his captivity. Loki, still dressed in his TVA attire, seemed lost in his own thoughts, his gaze distant and detached. But as Sylvie slowly made her way up to the barrier, her voice barely above a whisper, calling out his name, he was snapped back to the present. "Loki," Sylvie softly uttered, her voice carrying a mix of tenderness and urgency. Her words pierced through the noise of the facility, reaching his ears and catching his attention. In that instant, everything else faded into the background, and Loki's eyes locked onto Sylvie's, a flicker of recognition and longing igniting within them. "Sylvie, Sylvie, are you alright?!" Loki's voice quivered with concern and urgency as he quickly stood up, his eyes scanning her for any signs of distress. Without hesitation, he rushed towards the barrier, desperate to be as close to her as possible, even if it was just a few inches away. His heart pounded in his chest as he reached out his hand, as if trying to bridge the gap between them through sheer willpower. The fear of what she might have endured, the worry that she too had suffered within the confines of this place, was etched in his expression. Sylvie met his gaze, a mixture of relief and determination in her eyes. She reassured him with a small nod, her voice steady despite the chaos surrounding them. "I'm alright, Loki. They…they sent me to this compound. The avengers. Your brother arranged this meeting! Loki, what is happening big, why have they imprisoned you?" Sylvie stepped forward, closing the distance between herself and the barrier separating them. Her voice was filled with concern as she earnestly asked, "Loki, you have to tell me what's happening. Why did they arrest you?"
Loki sighed deeply, a mixture of regret and frustration etching across his features. He ran his fingers through his ebony locks, trying to find the right words. "To keep it brief," he began, his voice tinged with vulnerability, "I let my anger towards Odin consume me. I made a reckless choice to attempt ruling over Midgard, seeking a throne that wasn't rightfully mine."
He paused, his eyes locking with Sylvie's, pleading for understanding. "But Sylvie, you have to trust me when I say that's all in the past. Back in the Citadel, I meant every word. I've changed, and I'm no longer that person who sought power at any cost. I want to make things right, for both of us." There was a flicker of vulnerability in Sylvie's eyes as she gazed up into Loki's cerulean hues. Deep down, there was a part of her that desperately wanted to believe that he had truly changed, that he wouldn't betray her for the allure of a throne or power. Her voice softened as she spoke, revealing the worry that had consumed her during his absence. "I have been worried sick over you, Loki. I hope you know that," Sylvie confessed, her words laced with both relief and concern. Loki's lips curled into a gentle smile, a mix of amusement and affection in his eyes. He chuckled softly, a sound that held both reassurance and a touch of mischief. "You don't have to worry over me, Sylvie. I'm still in one piece, at least for now," he replied, a hint of playfulness in his voice. The tension between them eased slightly as Sylvie let out a small chuckle of her own, a glimmer of trust returning to her gaze. Loki's sigh carried a heavy weight of resignation as he returned to the harsh reality of their situation. "There's going to be a public trial in New York," he explained, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and frustration. "I'll be facing a judge, accused of all these charges of terror."
Sylvie's heart sank, a wave of dread washing over her. The promise of freedom they had been led to believe now seemed like a cruel deception. "What does that even mean, Loki?" she cried out, her voice laced with a mix of anguish and anger. "What about the freedom we were promised? That clock lied to us!" Loki's eyes met hers, filled with empathy and regret. He understood her pain, having felt it himself. "I know, Sylvie. The TVA... they're not what we thought. They've been manipulating us all along," he admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of betrayal. "But we can't let their lies define us. We have to fight for the truth, for our freedom. We can't let them win." Sylvie stood in silence, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to escape. Her voice quivered as she asked the question that weighed heavily on her heart, "When is this said trial?"
Loki hesitated, his expression pained as he searched for the right words. Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and determination, "The day after tomorrow. I can't say much, Sylvie. I don't even know what lies ahead. But what I can guarantee you is that I will fight for your freedom." Sylvie shook her head, her voice filled with desperation. "No, Loki, this isn't how it was supposed to be. We were promised to be on a timeline together, to forge our own path. Not like this."
The god sighs, "I know, Sylvie. I know it's not what we expected, but we can't lose hope." Sylvie's gaze met Loki's, a mixture of fear and trust swirling in her eyes. Sylvie's hand pressed against Loki's, a desperate attempt to bridge the physical and emotional distance between them. But before she could speak another word, a stern-faced agent abruptly entered the room, interrupting their fleeting moment of connection. "Times up," the agent stated bluntly, his grip tightening around Sylvie's arm as he prepared to take her away. Sylvie's voice trembled with urgency as she pleaded for more time. "Wait, please! I need more time!" Loki's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and concern as he stepped forward, "Sylvie, it'll be alright! Just trust me!" He called out. The blonde kept attempting to jerk away from the agent's grip, "Please! I need to talk to him! His expression remained unmoved, his grip unrelenting. "I'm sorry, but the rules are clear. The trial is approaching, and we can't afford any delays." Sylvie's heart sank, barely able to glance back for one more look at Loki, those metal doors closed abruptly as Sylvie was led away. The blonde deftly wriggled free from the agent's iron grip, forcefully pushing him aside. "I can handle my own exit, thank you very much," she snapped, her tone dripping with a mix of irritation and defiance. Determined, Sylvie navigated through the labyrinthine corridors until she reached the entrance, where Thor patiently awaited her in the familiar suburban vehicle. Climbing back in without uttering a word, she settled into her seat. Thor raised an eyebrow, breaking the silence. "So, how did it go?" Sylvie remained silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window as the SUV started its journey back to the compound. With a determined expression, she finally spoke up, her words direct and unwavering. "There's going to be a trial, and I'm going," she stated bluntly. "Loki and I are in this together. We were promised something, and we're not about to let it slip away without a fight." Thor nodded slowly, understanding the delicacy of the situation. He had already been informed about the impending high-profile trial, but in his attempt to show support, he unintentionally misspoke. "I'm sure it's going to be a rather public event. Considering government officials are involved in this ordeal. Surely they wouldn't stop Loki's girlfriend from attending?" Sylvie's reaction was immediate. She swiftly averted her eyes towards the god, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features. "I am not his girlfriend," she corrected him firmly, her tone emphasizing the distinction and complexities of their relationship. "Let's just focus on getting me into this trial first," Sylvie said bluntly, her voice devoid of any further discussion on the matter..